SEOUL: Han Kang has made history by becoming the first Korean to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, a moment of national pride that also casts a spotlight on the often overlooked contributors to the global success of Korean literature. Her novel, “The Vegetarian,” which gained international acclaim and paved the way for her epic win, was originally published in Korean and received little attention until it was translated into English.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Korea Times, Han’s achievement marks the end of a nearly quarter-century-long drought for Korea in the Nobel arena, the last being awarded in 2000 to former President Kim Dae-jung for Peace. The critical role of literary translators in bringing Korean literature to the global stage was exemplified when “The Vegetarian” won the International Booker Prize in 2016 after being translated by British translator Deborah Smith. This accolade, shared between Han and Smith, underscored the indispensable role of translators in the international lite
rary scene.
The success of Korean literature globally has been facilitated not only by translators but also by literary agents and the Literary Translation Institute of Korea (LTI Korea). Agents like Barbara Zitwer have connected Korean writers with major global publishers, ensuring their stories reach a worldwide audience. LTI Korea has supported the translation and promotion of Korean literature since its establishment in 1996, playing a crucial role in the international dissemination of works from Korea.
This triumvirate of translators, agents, and institutional support forms a vital ecosystem that sustains the growth and influence of Korean literature across the globe. As Korean literature continues to capture the imaginations of readers worldwide, the contributions of these key players gain recognition, illustrating the collaborative effort required to bridge cultural and linguistic divides.